Destination guides

Plan your journey

9 top tips for Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Edinburgh is essentially two cities: one during Festival Fringe and another during the other 48 weeks of the year.

A hub of creativity, Edinburgh Festival Fringe welcomes big performers and unknown talent alike to entertain festival-goers during its three and a half week celebration, between the 2nd - 26th August.

The best way to enjoy the Fringe is to go with a plan, but be prepared to stuff the schedule in your bag and follow your ears and nose wherever the music and mouth-watering scents take you. With more than 3,500 shows on offer, there’s something for everyone at the Fringe.

Where to go

What kind of show do you like? Whatever you fancy, there’s a venue for it...

1. Intimate stand-up

If you love the no-frills buzz of a comedian with a mic, the sky’s the limit in Edinburgh, but some venues do stand out in stand-up. You’ve got to start at The Stand’s New Town Theatre, which is hosting an array of comedic events. There’s also the Gilded Balloon at Drygate, one of nine in the chain.

Where to eat

From local favourites to one of those once-a-year experiences, you can be both entertained and fed up at the same time.

7. Good, cheap grub

All tourist guides tell you to “eat where the locals eat”, and that’s certainly true of Edinburgh if you’re on a budget. Where do the locals go for a meal that satisfies the taste buds and leaves you with your bus fare home? Head to Tupiniquim Brasil crepes, Quick & Plenty Café, @Pizza and Sugar Daddy's Bakery for brunches and awesome desserts.

8. Decent dishes

As with all major cities, Edinburgh has all the high street chains you’d expect, but try some of the local competition and you won’t be disappointed. Ostara, Contini, Pickles and Kanpai Sushi are all loved by the fine folks of Edinburgh when they want a great meal.

So, whether you’re staying for a few days or have taken the whole summer off to be entertained, informed and inspired in Edinburgh, make sure you book your festival spots and train tickets now. With Virgin trains departingfrom London to Edinburgh every two hours, you’re sure to have a summer you’ll never forget!